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10 places like Dubai worthy of an extended stopover

Add an extra day or two between flights to check out these hot stopover locations.

Long journey ahead? You could do the hard slog and catch a couple of zzzs at the airport in between flights, or you could strategically extend that layover a day or two to break up the journey and tick another city off your list.

If you’re liking the sound of opting for an extended stopover to discover somewhere new, these are the places like Dubai that are worth swinging by and checking out.

Abu Dhabi

Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi is a centre of commerce and industry that features a skyline of incredible modern architecture.

The capital of the United Arab Emirates is a luxurious getaway of high-rise, domed mosques and exquisite palaces. Browse its extensive and expensive mall offerings, take a relaxing dip in its cool waters or catch your breath as you gaze upon its desert expanse.

Muscat

Oman’s port-side town brims with majestic wonders and startling colour.

Muscat feels like Dubai did before it was developed. The essence of the city is tradition, and it boasts few high-rise buildings, but entrances with its sandy beaches and whitewashed mosques. Like Dubai it features high-end waterfront restaurants, hotels and malls, fit for the rich and famous.

Doha

Stroll along the waterfront and shop the street markets on a relaxing layover in the Persian Gulf.

You could spend your layover blitzing through another city, but if you’d prefer to use it as a wind-down before you return to reality, Doha offers a laidback transit stop. Its highlights include museums, a seaside promenade, parks and luxury islands.

Airlines that offer stopovers here:

Don’t miss: The Pearl-Qatar, the Museum of Islamic Art, the Kingdom of Aladdin and Doha Corniche.

Istanbul

Where Europe and Asia meet lies Turkey’s buzzing big city.

From the moment you step foot in this chaotic city, you’ll be enraptured by its colourful market bazaars, ornately adorned mosques and winding laneways. Similar to Dubai, Istanbul is a city that never sleeps, and you’ll find there’s no shortage of activities and late-night food outlets whenever you choose to play.

Singapore

Traditional temples meet modern skyscrapers in the beautiful nation of Singapore.

Singapore is an enviable stopover point, and that’s not just because it has one of the best layover airports in the world. The city is easily accessed by public transport from the airport, is highly walkable and offers a unique cityscape of gardens, high-rise, temples, luxury condos and hawker food stalls.

Bangkok

Not for the short layover, Bangkok is for those who really want a city break in between destinations.

Thailand’s glorious capital is a chaotic city of temples, rivers and shopping malls. Take the time to cruise down the river, eat from hawker stalls, scale its numerous temples and shop at the night markets which line the pavements and wheedle their way into every space imaginable.

Beirut

Lebanon’s capital is a bustling metropolis of Arabesque mosques and fashionable high streets.

Once known as the Paris of the Middle East, these days Beirut is less romantic and more good chaotic fun. Like Dubai it feels both European and Middle Eastern, and a modern landscape and rich art scene thrive among ancient ruins and religious traditions.

Hong Kong

This island city is a melting pot of culture, shopping and nightlife. Got a red-eye stopover? Hong Kong will still be open.

Hong Kong is the kind of stopover that you can make enroute to other Asian destinations or on the way to places such as London or Rome. This territory is so tiny that it can be covered in a few hours – though it really is worth a longer visit!

Seoul

For somewhere a little left of centre, make Seoul your stopover of choice.

The capital of South Korea is impossible not to fall in love with. Bursting with excitement, Seoul’s futuristic landscape comprises shopping malls, rooftop parks, restaurants and clubs that never seem to close.

Beijing

China’s 72-hour visa-free transit policy means anyone flying from one of 51 countries can stop in Beijing and tour the city for three days without having to apply for a visa.

Australia, naturally, is one of those 51 countries. So why not take advantage of this policy if you’re landing in this metropolis anyway? In three days you can cover the main sights including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Mao Zedong’s mausoleum and, if you play your cards rights, even the Great Wall.

Airlines that offer stopovers here: Air China.

Don’t miss: The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven.

Free coach transfer with Etihad tickets

Stephanie is the travel editor at finder.com.au. On top of being an avid traveller, she's an all-round bargain hunter. If there's a deal or cheap flight available, she'll know about it. And she'll let you know about it, too.

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